[Unofficial Translation]

It is a pleasure to meet all of you. Startups equipped with brilliant ideas and outstanding technological expertise are a major driving force for innovation in our society. Recognizing this, I have met with the heads of startups every time I travel overseas. I have sensed for myself their incredible drive for innovation in Boston clusters, at Paris’s Station F and Hanoi, Vietnam.

Startups, driving technological innovation in such areas as AI, biohealth, and quantum computing for the sake of a better future, are playing a key role in overcoming the polycrisis and challenges humanity is facing. I would like to take this chance to thank you for your devoted efforts and dedication.

Innovation knows no borders. In August, Korea unveiled our Startup Korea Strategy, which seeks to support startups transcending borders. We will help talented individuals who dream of innovation to start and nurture businesses regardless of their origin or present location.

Since both Korea and Japan possess highly competitive startups, I anticipate a great synergy should our two countries expand the solidarity and cooperation.

I understand that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also announced a Startup Development Five-year Plan in 2022 and is actively fostering startups.

Our two governments will support mutual exchanges and cooperation between startups in various fields in a bid to jointly help our young generations take on challenges and successfully innovate.